- offshore wind farms that will contribute to the mix of sources for the ecological transition are ready to go. We continue on the roadmap established by the government which, however, requires agreements with the Regions. The technicians of the Ministry of Ecological Transition are concluding the first round of meetings with those interested in investing in new plants. A first response has already arrived, however, with 64 expressions of interest to innovative floating parks. 55 are from companies and business associations, 3 from WWF, Legambiente and Greenpeace and 7 from ANEV, Future Electricity, CNA, CGIL, Polytechnic University of Turin, OWEMES – association of researchers, CIRSAM International Consortium for Adriatic and Mediterranean research and development . A vast sampling, as can be seen, from which emerges theinterest in developing energy from the wind along the coasts or near the islands. All without impacting on dry land, of course.
The main feature of the new plants is, in fact, the absence of landscape impacts. Structures that in Northern Europe have consolidated their strength to the point of producing more than two thirds of the energy required. In its new deal, Europe favors their development by virtue of the favorable offshore weather conditions.
For the Minister of Ecological Transition Roberto Cingolani in Italy it is a question of "enhancing the synergies deriving from the provision of several plants in the same sea areas, in agreement between the proponents, and sharing the state of the works with the environmental protection associations and the other participating subjects." Expressions of interest have thus proposed detailed projects, with more floating systems over 12 miles from the coast. The objections of environmentalists should be definitively set aside, also given the direct participation in the development of the wind source.
Sicily and Sardinia for now, the Regions are most interested in new installations (about 20); Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian coast to follow. Among the companies that responded to the Ministry's tender are, among others, Eni, in joint venture with CDP Equity, Ansaldo Energia, Edison, Erg, Fincantieri, Saipem and Sorgenia. All ready to invest in a technologically advanced sector that shifts the growth of wind energy from the hills to the open sea. On the other hand, companies have also focused on for some time financial transactions that give confidence. It is also about increasing the supply of clean energy to local communities.
Of particular interest, in this context of widespread wind power, is the project under development by the Renexia Company off the Egadi Islands. A wind farm with 190 blades which will produce 2,8 Gigawatts, capable of satisfying around 3,4 million families. From an environmental point of view, investigations are underway to protect marine flora and fauna. The results will be available to all to strengthen, as Cingolani says, direct participation in strategic decisions of national interest.
